The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 16 May 2024 to consider applications related to premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting's agenda included discussions on a variation to the licence for These Days Aperitivo Bar and a transfer of the premises licence for Club 701.

These Days Aperitivo Bar, 100 Druid Street, London SE1 2HQ

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for These Days Aperitivo Bar, located at 100 Druid Street, London SE1 2HQ. The application, made by Oliver Man, sought to extend the closing times on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays by one hour, from 23:00 to midnight, and to extend the on-sales of alcohol by one hour, to 23:30 on these days. The application also proposed the removal of specific conditions related to external doors and windows being kept closed after 21:00, and the operating hours of the outside drinking area.

Representations were submitted by the Metropolitan Police Service and the Council's Licensing Authority. The police objected on the grounds that the proposed variations could negatively impact the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder, citing vague and potentially unenforceable conditions within the application. The Licensing Authority's representation highlighted that the premises is located in a residential area and forms part of the Bermondsey Beer Mile, an area with a high concentration of licensed premises. Concerns were raised about the potential for cumulative impact and the detrimental effect on the quality of life for local residents, particularly those living opposite the Arnold Estate. The Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026 recommends a closing time of 23:00 for such establishments in residential areas.

The report pack also detailed the premises' licensing history, including the original licence granted on 25 April 2023, which imposed a condition that the premises should not exceed a capacity of 60 people. There had been no complaints made to the council regarding this premises.

Club 701, Basement and Ground Floors, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an objection notice served by the Metropolitan Police Service regarding an application to transfer the premises licence for Club 701, located at 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA, from Erico Entertainment Limited to Eddie Hanson.

The police objected to the transfer on the grounds that it could undermine the review and appeal process. They noted that the premises licence had previously been revoked following a summary review under Section 53a of the Licensing Act 2003 due to a serious incident. This revocation was subject to an ongoing appeal at the Magistrates' Court. The police highlighted that the practice of transferring a premises licence following a review application had become a concern, as it could be used to circumvent the review and appeal processes. This concern was reflected in Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, which requires documented proof of business transfer or lawful occupancy to support the contention of new management control. The police stated that Mr. Hanson had not provided such documented proof, leading to the inference that the premises might still be under the control of Erico Entertainment Limited.

The report detailed the extensive history of the premises, including multiple closure notices issued by the police for alleged breaches of licence conditions, licensing inspections revealing further breaches, and previous licensing sub-committee hearings resulting in licence suspension and modifications. Most recently, on 8 February 2024, the premises licence was revoked following a full review hearing. An appeal against this revocation was scheduled to be heard at Croydon Magistrates' Court on 24 September 2024. The application to transfer the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) to Eddie Hanson was also noted, with no objection received at the time of the report.

The sub-committee was advised that its consideration in this matter was limited to the promotion of the crime and disorder licensing objective.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as apologies, confirmation of voting members, notification of urgent items, and the disclosure of interests.